It is 00:30 universal time. I'm Bob Calkan reporting the news in Washington.
Israeli and Palestinian leaders are welcoming an agreement negotiated by the United States that restarts direct peace talks. Friday, American Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the process will start September 1st. Palestinian, Jordanian and Egyptian leaders will meet at the White House. Ms. Clinton will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to begin the negotiations the next day. Secretary Clinton says talks can be finished within the year, with a goal of creating a Palestinian state next to Israel. The direct negotiations will be the first since 2008. Hamas leaders denounced the talks and are not taking part.
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